Disturbing Values: Historic Thematic Framework as a Tool to Deal with the Soviet Architectural Legacy

The value of cultural heritage is a constantly evolving and debated issue in heritage theory. While primarily the focus was on tangible qualities, intangible values gained more importance in the twenty-first century. However, in some cases, it can be complicated to evaluate the intangible values of specific artefacts with politically disturbing associations, such as Soviet architecture in a post-Soviet context. Based on a Lithuanian case study, the paper contributes to the debate on the value of Soviet architecture, focusing not on individual buildings but on broader themes. By using framework analysis as a conceptual background, the article analyzes the legacy of the Soviet past not as physical objects but as cultural references. Interpreting cultural references as containers of social and cultural meanings that are much broader than just the embodiment of the ideological system, the paper suggests that dissonance should not lead to the uncompromising delisting and probably the destruction of the built heritage of troublesome past. Although the article focuses on the evaluation of Soviet architecture in a post-Soviet context, the conceptual approach can contribute to the broader debate on postcolonial heritage globally.

Automated summary

The value of cultural heritage is a debated issue in heritage theory, with the focus shifting from tangible to intangible qualities. Evaluating the intangible values of specific artefacts with politically disturbing associations, like Soviet architecture, can be complicated. This paper uses a Lithuanian case study to analyze the value of Soviet architecture as cultural references, suggesting that dissonance should not result in uncompromising delisting and destruction of troubled past heritage.